Beginnings, Middles, & Ends: Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work was reviewed in the Fall 2013 edition of the Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, released this week.

Reviewer Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D., who is also editor of the journal, said in part:

The mood that the author sets is the best aspect of this book. It reminds me of the mood set by the writers of the TV show MASH. There is a mixture of drama and comedy that is perfectly blended to capture the attention of a casual reader. I found the entire book a joy to read. Personally, I found it therapeutic.

He also called the book "a profound piece of creative literature that will reinstill idealism within senior social workers who are on the threshold of being cynical about their work."

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Author Ogden Rogers was interviewed by Al Ross of Spectrum West on Wisconsin Public Radio on November 7, 2013. They talked about the social work profession, as well as about Rogers' new book, Beginnings, Middles, & Ends: Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work. Ross read a few of the shorter stories out loud as part of the broadcast.

The interview provides insight into the thought that went into the writing of the book. The interview is archived online. You can listen to it here.

Since Beginnings, Middles, & Ends: Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work was released almost a month ago, the book has continued to receive favorable reviews.

Today, we heard from Bradford Sheafor, author of social work textbooks over the past three decades. Here's what he had to say:

“Many
textbooks, including my own, carefully describe social work and what
social workers do. Few of these books, however, capture art and heart
required when applying the knowledge, values,
and skills of this important profession. Ogden Rogers, in Beginnings, Middles, & Ends: Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work,
provides a masterful complement to the existing texts. Although usually
not labeled as such, in each of his stories
a critical value, principle, or guideline for social work practice is
illustrated. My thought after reading each story was, “Yes!!! That is
what social work is all about.” Further, Rogers’ unabashed enthusiasm
for this profession is indeed a welcome addition
to the social work literature.”

Bradford W. Sheafor, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus, Colorado State University

A customer on Amazon.com, L.M. Ferro, said this about the book:

"LOVE THIS BOOK! I shared it with my interns who are young social
workers. I would HIGHLY recommend it! Makes a great gift for social
workers."

The book was well-received at the recent Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting, where Rogers was on hand to autograph copies.